Can't find work? Paralegal for Weil Gotshal

The legal job market is a little dicey right now, leading some law grads to question the worth of their shiny new J.D. degree. Suffolk Law grads — and not just the ones who can’t get dates — are really questioning the value of their degrees, after an ill-timed job advertisement from Weil Gotshal & Manges went out on their career services list-serv:

Dear 2009 Graduates,

I wanted to make you aware of a great opportunity currently posted on Symplicity. Please find the job information below. Interested parties should apply through Symplicity with a resume and cover letter.

Employer: Weil Gotshal & Manges, LLP (Boston, MA)

Title: Paralegal Position for ’09 Graduate

Description: This posting is for the class of 2009 grads who are not deferred for another position. Monday-Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm, flexibility with overtime required.

Yay, that Suffolk law degree can get you into Biglaw! But there’s a catch.
More after the jump.


Manual labor is involved (emphasis added):

This position involves sitting at a desk for long periods of time, and operating a PC and other office equipment in the course of regular duties. Involves some light lifting / moving of documents and document boxes – approx. 20lbs. Position reports to Office Administrator. Weil Gotshal requires a two year commitment for this position.

Experience: BA / BS / JD with strong academic record…

We have heard of JD holders working as paralegals — and it’s probably more likely in this economy — but the timing is pretty terrible, according to one Suffolk tipster:

Many of my classmates are frustrated about this email sent two weeks before the bar exam advertising a paralegal position for a recent graduate.

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For those interested, the full job advertisement appears below.
E-MAIL FROM SUFFOLK LAW CAREER SERVICES
From: [REDACTED]
Date: Fri, Jul 17, 2009 at 1:21 PM
Subject: Weil Gotshal Job Posting
To: [REDACTED]
Dear 2009 Graduates:
I wanted to make you aware of a great opportunity currently posted on Symplicity. Please find the job information below. Interested parties should apply through Symplicity with a resume and cover letter.
Employer: Weil Gotshal & Manges, LLP (Boston, MA)
Title: Paralegal Position for ’09 Graduate
Description: This posting is for the class of 2009 grads who are not deferred for another position. Monday-Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm, flexibility with overtime required.
Job Responsibilities Include But Are Not Limited to:
-Assist with all stages of transactions, including various closing and post closing tasks.
-Organize and review diligence materials, maintain data rooms, maintain corporate records.
-Conduct basic research using various resources including databases and the Internet.
-Manage databases.
-Review, draft and prepare corporate formation/organizational documents.
-Prepare, file and/or order corporate documents with/for various service companies, the SEC and other regulatory bodies.
-Prepare audit response letters.
-Provide attorneys with general organizational support and other administrative duties.
This position involves sitting at a desk for long periods of time, and operating a PC and other office equipment in the course of regular duties. Involves some light lifting/moving of documents and document boxes – approx. 20lbs. Position reports to Office Administrator. Weil Gotshal requires a two year commitment for this position.
Experience:
-BA/BS/JD with strong academic record
-Strong written and oral communication skills
-Strong research and technical (computer) skills
-Ability to organize and prioritize numerous tasks and complete under time constraints with great attention to detail
-Ability to work in a fast-paced, high pressured, professional environment.

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